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Occupational Studies degrees are specialized programs that combine the core courses of various disciplines. It equips students with a foundational knowledge of social sciences and liberal arts required for the various careers it leads to!
While Occupational Studies programs offer more generalized learning, students may choose a pre-configured specialization at the associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels.
The Lowdown
An online Associate in Occupational Studies program provides an understanding of employability so that graduates are ready for the workforce, regardless of their career path. It requires two years to complete, wherein students learn the basics of the program, enabling them to become proficient in the workforce with their technical and soft skills.
Ready for a Career in Occupational Studies?
The Occupational Studies associate degree coursework centers on a particular occupation to prepare students to meet organizational and business expectations.
With a high school diploma as a primary requisite, this associate’s degree program covers the full spectrum of skills required for employment, including:
- analyzing data,
- demonstrating management skills,
- learning the basics of psychology and contemporary science,
- understanding social development,
- obtaining a risk management background,
- implementing safety management systems,
- utilizing communication tools,
- or solving issues in an IT environment.
The most common career tracks for graduates of Occupational Studies degree programs include Occupational Therapy and Occupational Health, and Occupational Safety and Health.
Methodology
Before enrolling in an Online Associate in Occupational Studies, consider the factors to ensure that it is an excellent program! We compiled the top online programs offered mainly in community colleges across the United States. We picked each associate degree that meets these criteria:
- Offers Associate in Occupational Studies online or in hybrid class formats,
- Features broad coursework for solid foundational skills but allows students to customize learning to match the requirements of different work environments,
- Prepares students for a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree,
- Provides internship opportunities and job placement assistance to students,
- Taught by reputable instructors with extensive Occupational Studies experience,
- Offers advising and assistance with financial aid options,
- Obtained regional or institutional accreditation from academic agencies, providing excellent teaching standards.
More information about our ranking can be found on our Methodology page.
5 Best Online Colleges with Online Associates in Occupational Studies
Washtenaw Community College
The Washtenaw Community College Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Studies degree program is offered online online. The program prepares students for jobs requiring multidisciplinary skills by combining coursework from multiple occupational areas.
Through this program, students can build on their occupational/technical courses and credentials as requirements for employment or development in a sector choose this option.
Students may consult a faculty adviser or divisional counselor for help creating a program of study. In addition to offering transfer and employment information, a counselor may also assist in identifying educational objectives and professional interests.
Students can mix coursework from several vocational fields in the program to get ready for a career that demands interdisciplinary abilities. According to the Michigan Community College Network, this program has high demand, high skill requirements, and high wages.
Here are the courses to expect in this associate degree:
- Social and Behavioral Science
- Writing/Composition
- Natural Sciences
- Occupational/Technical Area
- Arts and Humanities
Jackson College
The Jackson College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Occupational Studies is made available at Jackson College. The program is for apprentices who have completed a US Department of Labor or Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training apprenticeship program.
Carpenters, cement masons, structural drafting technicians, machine builders, machine repairers, millwrights, wood model makers, mold makers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, and tool and die makers are all acceptable occupations for apprenticeships.
The lead faculty would need to review other apprenticeship programs on a case-by-case basis. As part of the curriculum, students will receive a strong academic foundation and learn about topics like entrepreneurship, sustainability, and computer systems.
This associate program can be taken online and is intended for individuals who want to enhance their careers by earning a college degree.
Here are the courses to expect in this associate degree online:
- International Relations
- Cultural Anthropology
- Minority Groups in America
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Contemporary Science
- Introduction to Psychology
- Art History: Renaissance to Present
- Entrepreneurship: Creating Your Job
Kirtland Community College
After meeting with one of Kirtland Community College’s advisors, many prospective students realize that it’s possible to acquire an associate degree faster than they can imagine. With military experience and former credits earned from an accredited institution, an Associate in Applied Science in Integrative Occupational Studies offered at Kirtland Community can be completed in no time.
One thing that makes this Associate in Integrative Occupational Studies popular among students is that it’s a degree path that can be tailored to fit the needs of individual students.
Some courses are required to complete the associate’s degree, but students still have the liberty to personalize them.
Below are some courses you need to take in this online degree:
- Intro to Computers
- Principles of Management
- Human Resource Management
- Intro to Business
- Primary Occupational Area
- Secondary Occupational Area
Importantly, it is Kirtland’s only degree that allows you to take credits previously earned and experience previously obtained to design a program based on your interests. You may want to apply as many credits as you can to your degree.
Also, if you changed your mind about your professional path after enrolling in college but don’t want to start gaining academic credits from scratch, this associate degree in Occupational Studies is the perfect choice.
Kirkland Community College advisors understand the importance of giving students guidance and direction in interdisciplinary programs like Integrative Occupational Studies. Your advisor will examine your previous credits and make sure any military training you have translates into college credits. This valuable assistance can help students jump-start their career right after graduation.
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College offers an online Associate Degree in Occupational Studies for those who want to enter the field of occupational therapy assistantship. Students start here as juniors when they start a semester. A strong foundation in Occupational Therapy Assistant skills and knowledge is provided by Santa Ana College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
In addition to focusing on function, occupational therapy also focuses on quality of life. Occupational therapy assistants perform rehabilitation of self-care, work, and leisure activities for individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities.
In addition to occupational therapy classes, this associate degree also includes general education requirements in the biological, social, and behavioral sciences.
The curriculum prepares the student to satisfy certification and job criteria through classroom discussions, online coursework, and fieldwork opportunities.
Some of the courses required for this degree are the following:
- Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
- Exploration of Occupation Through Activity
- Physical Function and Dysfunction
- Human Disease and Occupation
- Psychosocial Components of Occupation
- Contemporary Models of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Foundations of Occupation & Occupational Therapy
- Medical Terminology & Documentation for the OTA
Sessions College
Sessions College offers an Associate of Occupational Studies in Web Design degree online that prepares students to enter the field of Web design with an emphasis on visual and interactive design. This is perfect for high school graduates who want to work right away after two years.
The curriculum provides a solid foundation in graphic design and knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
This occupational studies in web design program is based on a solid graphic design foundation. Digital photography, Photoshop and Illustrator, color theory, composition, and type are all covered in your first-year curriculum. Some more advanced subjects to take are UX/UI Design, WordPress, and Bootstrap.
In this associate degree, you can join forces with a group of innovative students and business experts. With just two years, you can start your creative career. You will have opportunities and assistance in building a portfolio.
Finally, you will complete a guided portfolio evaluation at the end of your program.
Here are some courses included in this associate program:
- Javascript For Designers I
- Color Theory
- Typography
- Bootstrap Using Dreamweaver I
- Computer Technology
- History of Art
- WordPress for Designers
Career Fields to Pursue After Earning an Online Associate in Occupational Studies
Entry-level positions in various fields are available to graduates of Occupational Studies associate programs:
- Medical or healthcare assistants
- Veterinarian secretary
- Computer programming
- Fashion Merchandising
- Management secretary
- Accounting staff
- Graphic arts
- Culinary Arts
- Automotive technology
- Engineering Assistant
- Dental assistant
- Customer service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an online Associate of Occupational Studies?
The goal of associate’s degrees in occupational studies, often known as career or occupational degrees, is to prepare graduates for the workforce as soon as possible. They are expected to gain the competencies required in almost all industries and sectors.
Students can transfer credits from their associate’s degree in Occupational Studies toward a bachelor’s program.
Can students pursue an Associate degree in Occupational Studies online?
Yes, there are now many universities and colleges that offer an associate degree in Occupational Studies online. However, online specializations are frequently unavailable for careers that demand extensive hands-on training.
Some institutions offer a hybrid program. For example, degrees in Fire Technology and Medical Technology can be taken in hybrid formats. If you’re assessing whether an online format is best for you, consider the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
What can graduates do with an online Associate in Occupational Studies degree?
Occupational Studies programs are highly adaptable. By combining an extensive liberal arts curriculum with certain job-centered competencies, students become prepared for an extensive range of jobs that require a Liberal Arts education.
Key Takeaways
- An Associate in Occupational Studies degree features a generalized education, but the courses needed to graduate vary by job field.
- Occupational Studies specialties at the associate level typically concentrate on career-focused course clusters that aren’t available in other degrees.
- Occupational Studies associate degrees are a method for schools and universities to increase the number of customizable career-focused programs they offer.
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